New firm to manage ALS ambulances in state

LUCKNOW: A new company will now run the 250 advanced life support (ALS) ambulances, transporting very serious/critical patients to hospitals in the state. Before the takeover, a joint inspection of ambulances by a team from new firm Ziqitza Healthcare Limited as well as the old company, GVK EMRI, took place on Thursday.

The changeover would have no impact on the patients who would continue to get free of cost transport to hospital as before, an official of the new team said.

“We are conducting joint inspection of ambulances that were already giving services to patients. Our teams along with the previous company and government representatives will assess the condition of vehicles and the equipment fitted in them,” said Milton Singh, chief manager for the Ziqitza Healthcare

Limited. Joint inspection in all 75 districts would be completed by July 20. The non-ALS ambulances will continue to be run by GVK EMRI, an official said. While normal ambulances with oxygen support facility are provided for less serious patie nts, who dial ‘108’ facility for help but for serious patients, the same call centre (108) generates requirement for an ALS ambulance in case of serious patients.

Asked if there will be change in two 108 and 102 numbers, the DG medical health Dr DS Negi said, “We are working on it. We shall make sure patients can easily access to ambulances.” The GVK EMRI HR head Lingraj Das issued a circular on Thursday. “The new firm has got tender to run ALS ambulances but none of our staff should be worried as we shall follow services rules and keep you informed.”